Celebrating Exemplary Leadership, Groundbreaking Innovation and the Visionaries Shaping What’s Next

A Unique Program Recognizing Firms and Individuals in Financial Services for Excellence Beyond Traditional Metrics

Thursday, December 3, 2026

New York Hilton Midtown | 1335 6th Ave, New York, NY 10019

Nominations Deadline: June 26, 2026

Welcome to the ThinkAdvisor Luminaries Awards, where we celebrate the trailblazers redefining excellence in financial services. Now in its sixth year, this prestigious program recognizes the visionary firms and individuals driving innovation and making a transformative impact on both the industry and the profession.

Nomination Deadline: June 26, 2026

Nominations Accepted
April 20 - June 26, 2026

For the Luminaries entry process, candidates may be nominated in various award categories across the financial services industry.




 

Finalists Announced
September 3, 2026

Profiles, news and other features about Luminaries' Finalists will appear regularly on ThinkAdvisor and will be promoted through our Luminaries-branded newsletter and other newsletters from September 2026 through September 2027.

Awards Ceremony
December 3, 2026

A panel of independent judges made up of distinguished industry professionals will determine the winners, who will be recognized at an awards ceremony on December 3, 2026


 

Event Agenda
December 3, 2026
  • Networking Brunch
  • Concurrent Roundtable Sessions
  • Networking Cocktail Reception
  • Awards Dinner and Presentations
     

About the Awards Categories

In 2026, the ThinkAdvisor Luminaries Awards will continue to reflect the profound changes reshaping the financial services industry—and the firms and individuals behind the pioneering advances redefining the future of advice. This year’s program introduces new categories aligned with emerging trends—including AI adoption and the growing influence of C-suite leadership—spotlighting those at the forefront of what’s next:

For Firms
  • Product or Service Innovation
  • Thought Leadership & Education
  • Digital Marketing Campaigns
  • Educational Programs
  • Public Relations Campaigns
  • AI Innovation & Impact
For Individuals
  • Chief Executive Officer of the Year
  • Chief Technology Officer of the Year
  • Chief Marketing Officer of the Year
  • Chief Investment Officer of the Year
  • AI Innovator of the Year
  • M&A Leader of the Year
  • Thought Leader of the Year
  • Wholesaler of the Year
  • Luminaries With a Heart
  • Next-Gen Rising Stars

More You Should Know

For the Luminaries Entry Process, candidates may be nominated in various award categories across the financial services industry. Submitters may nominate an individual or firm for as many categories as they like; however, each submission must be unique to that particular category.

A Panel of Independent Judges made up of distinguished industry professionals will determine the winners, who will be recognized at an awards ceremony.

Profiles, News and Other Features about Luminaries' Finalists will appear regularly on ThinkAdvisor and will be promoted through our Luminaries-branded newsletter and other newsletters from September 2026 through September 2027

To Stay Up-to-Date with the 2026 ThinkAdvisor Luminaries Awards program and to learn more about those driving the industry to new heights, we invite you to sign up for our Luminaries Newsletter.

For inquiries regarding this series, please contact Janet Levaux, janet.levaux@arc-network.com or awardsinfo@arc-network.com.

Marketing Advantages for Participating

Illuminate Your Achievements
The ThinkAdvisor Luminaries Awards stand apart by shining a spotlight on exceptional accomplishments that transcend traditional metrics like asset growth or... More

More Opportunities to Showcase Your Firm's Excellence
In 2026, the ThinkAdvisor Luminaries Awards are expanding their scope to include more categories across... More

Celebrate Your Outstanding Achievers
The ThinkAdvisor Luminaries Awards reflect the profound changes reshaping the financial services industry.... More

Elevate Your Profile With Financial Services Professionals
The ThinkAdvisor Luminaries Awards are more than just recognition; they are a powerful platform to enhance... More

Be Part of Something Bigger
With a rigorous selection process and an unwavering commitment to genuine excellence, the ThinkAdvisor Luminaries Awards are not just accolades... More

Opportunity to Attend the Luminaries Awards Gala
The awards gala will feature an evening cocktail reception, red carpet photos, awards dinner, daytime panel.... More

Complimentary Benefits For Finalists

  • Finalist logo for use in your PR campaigns and marketing communications programs 
  • Finalist recognition on the ThinkAdvisor Luminaries Awards Hub displaying the latest awards details and developments
  • Description of your finalist initiative on the ThinkAdvisor website frequented by 425,000 average monthly visitors
  • Coverage of your finalist initiative in a dedicated Luminaries Awards newsletter distributed to ThinkAdvisor’s leading audience of financial advisors and planners

2025 Award Winners!